NEW in Toronto: How the Media Shapes What We Believe About Crime

Brains and Barstools brings captivating professors to Toronto bars for vivid lectures that spark curiosity and connection over drinks. On Nov 25, we present : "How the Media Shapes What We Believe About Crime" by Prof. Scot Worley, PhD. We consume crime stories constantly—from true-crime documentaries and podcasts to breaking news and dramatic police procedurals. But how much of what we see actually reflects what we know about crime? In this lecture, Dr. Scot Wortley explores how popular and news media portray crime, criminal offenders, and the criminal justice system - and how those portrayals can shape the way we understand the world around us. Drawing on criminological research, he’ll unpack some of the biggest assumptions surrounding crime trends, race and immigration, fear of victimization, and “tough-on-crime” policies, examining where popular narratives diverge from the evidence. The conversation will also explore a more uncomfortable question: who benefits when we become more afraid of crime? Dr. Wortley will consider how media portrayals can reinforce stereotypes and influence public attitudes toward crime prevention, policing, and criminal justice. About the Speaker Dr. Scot Wortley is a Professor at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, where he has taught since 1996 and currently chairs the Research Cluster on Racism and Inequality. His research focuses on racial bias in the criminal justice system, public perceptions of policing, youth crime, victimization, street gangs, crime prevention, and program evaluation. Professor Wortley has led major investigations into potential racial bias within policing for the Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Ontario Human Rights Commissions, contributed to Justice Michael Tulloch’s review of Ontario’s street check regulations, and is currently involved in research examining racial bias within the TTC and police use of force in Canada. His research has informed policy and practice across Canada, and his work has appeared in leading academic journals including the American Journal of Sociology, Social Forces, and the British Journal of Criminology. His 2025 book, Race, Crime and Justice in Canada: Issues and Strategies, examines the relationship between race, crime, and the Canadian criminal justice system. 📅 Date: November 25, 2026 🕡 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM 📍 Location: Reid's Distillery 🎤 Speaker: Prof. Scot Worley, PhD Expect to leave with a more critical lens for the crime stories you encounter every day - and a better understanding of what the research actually tells us. 🎟 Seats are limited! Early bird tickets available for a limited time.